After 16 long years, I finally got the opportunity to walk across the stage to receive my Grace College Bachelors degree and diploma.   That day was not too long ago for me, and I still remember the thoughts running through my head… “Whew, what a relief…  I actually made it.”

After many years of a lot of hard work, I accomplished my goal and received the reward.

At the time, I breathed out a large sigh of relief.  I was done with education… For good.

Or at least I thought.

And I sure was wrong.

I have come to quickly realize that I will never be done.  I never stopped.  While I may certainly differ from most people, I now realize that I always desire to learn more, to push the boundaries of my knowledge to further limits.  I do this daily.  I receive numerous data filled emails every night about the latest happenings in the technology world.  I have bought several books recently that dive into leadership and financial management.  I’ve downloaded several videos about the science of creativity and watched them numerous times.  I study articles left and right that explore the different techniques for management and effective team building.

Some call me a nerd.  I think of it as personal development.

It is not even just personal development.  The more that I develop myself personally, the more I am actually developing the company I manage and the employees I oversee.  The more developed I am, the bigger the impact I have on those around me.

So, as a leader, what are you doing to develop yourself and those around you? Are you pushing yourself to new bounds?